Black Swan opens its ‘best ever’ Arts Open Exhibition

Frome’s renowned art gallery, the Black Swan Arts, is holding its annual Arts Open Exhibition from Saturday 24th October until Saturday 21st November.

This show is the highlight of the Black Swan’s programme and this year the 100 works on display are of exceptional quality.

The five judges had to choose from a record breaking 660 entries and after a six hour selection process they made their choices.

The selection is representative of a vast range of mediums – traditional and digital including moving images, cast bronze, silks, photography, sculpture, painting and drawing, prints, ceramics, photography, sculpture and in many different sizes.

From gritty urban pieces to images reflecting calm landscapes, this show is diverse, innovative and fun, championing excellence and bringing original art to the South West. It’s not just for the ‘art connoisseur’, the judges have chosen outstanding art that can be enjoyed by thousands of visitors, perhaps who have never been to a show of contemporary art. The majority of work is for sale.

Amanda Sheridan, Chair of the Board of Trustees said, “I was privileged to be in the room as the judges made their decisions – it was an electric atmosphere and I did not envy their task. But the works they have chosen are perfect for the Black Swan Arts Open 2015.

“I want to thank them for their commitment – Luke Piper, Somerset-based artist; Anita Taylor – Dean of Bath Spa School of Art and Design; Jennifer Scott – director of Holburne Museum, Bath; Simon Barber – editor in chief Evolver Magazine and Alice Workman – director of Hauser and Wirth Somerset, who are awarding the first prize of £750.

“Many thanks also to the sponsors of our prizes – Frome Town Council, particularly the mayor Kate Bielby for the People’s Choice Award; Mount Art at the Silk Mill for an artist in full-time education and Postscript in Stony Street for the emerging artist prize.”

The Black Swan Arts Open demonstrates the on-going and major commitment of the Frome-based gallery to the development of artistic talent and to the building of strong links with the community, locally and regionally, supporting excellence in the South West.

The Arts Open exhibits can be seen throughout the Black Swan and in Diva’s café. The gallery will be open six days a week, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

For directions please visit www.blackswan.org .uk or sign up to their newsletter and receive the latest information on all events.

For further information about the Open please contact Amanda Sheridan or Emma at Black Swan Arts on 01373 473980 office@blackswan.org.uk or www.blackswan.org.uk